Cortisol Levels and Nausea in Chemotherapy
Author Information
Author(s): M. Fredrikson, T. Hursti, C.J. Ffirst, G. Steineck, S. Bdrjeson, M. Wikblom, C. Peterson
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institute and Karolinska Hospital
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between endogenous cortisol secretion and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting?
Conclusion
Higher levels of urinary cortisol are associated with lower levels of nausea during chemotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with high cortisol excretion reported significantly less nausea during chemotherapy.
- The study found a correlation between age and cortisol levels, suggesting age may influence nausea.
- Cortisol may have antiemetic effects by reducing cerebral edema or affecting serotonin turnover.
Takeaway
People who have more cortisol in their bodies tend to feel less sick when they get chemotherapy.
Methodology
Urinary cortisol was measured, and patients reported their nausea using a visual analog scale during and after chemotherapy.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors include age and other health conditions that were not fully controlled.
Limitations
The study excluded patients who had received chemotherapy within the past year or were on strong opioids, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
20 patients (17 women, 3 men) with an average age of 50.6 years, including those with breast and gastrointestinal cancers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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